Racal Instruments 3152 User manual

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User Manual

3152

PRECISION PLL SYNTHESIZER

Publication No. 980793

RACAL INSTRUMENTS

Racal Instruments, Inc.

4 Goodyear St., Irvine, CA 92618-2002

Tel: (800) RACAL-ATE, (800) 722-2528, (949) 859-8999; FAX: (949) 859-7139

Racal Instruments, Ltd.

480 Bath Road, Slough, Berkshire, SL1 6BE, United Kingdom

Tel: +44 (0) 1628 604455; FAX: +44 (0) 1628 662017

Racal Systems Electronique S.A.

18 Avenue Dutartre, 78150 LeChesnay, France

Tel: +33 (1) 3923 2222; FAX: +33 (1) 3923 2225

Racal Systems Elettronica s.r.l.

Strada 2-Palazzo C4, 20090 Milanofiori Assago, Milan, Italy

Tel: +39 (0)2 5750 1796; FAX +39 (0)2 5750 1828

Racal Elektronik System GmbH.

Technologiepark Bergisch Gladbach, Friedrich-Ebert-Strasse, D-51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany

Tel.: +49 2204 8442 00; FAX: +49 2204 8442 19

Racal Australia Pty. Ltd.

3 Powells Road, Brookvale, NSW 2100, Australia

Tel: +612 9936 7000, FAX: +612 9936 7036

Racal Electronics Pte. Ltd.

26 Ayer Rajah Crescent, 04-06/07 Ayer Rajah Industrial Estate, Singapore 0513.

Tel: +65 7792200, FAX: +65 7785400

Racal Instruments, Ltd.

Unit 5, 25F., Mega Trade Center, No 1, Mei Wan Road, Tsuen Wan, Hong Kong, PRC

Tel: +852 2405 5500, FAX: +852 2416 4335

http://www.racalinstruments.com

PUBLICATION DATE: July 25,2000

This book or parts thereof may not be reproduced in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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WARRANTY STATEMENT

All Racal Instruments, Inc. products are designed and manufactured to exacting standards and in full

conformance to Racal’s ISO 9001 procedures.

For the specific terms of your standard warranty, or optional extended warranty or service agreement, contact

your Racal customer service advisor. Please have the following information available to facilitate service.

1. Product serial number

2. Product model number

3. Your company and contact information

You may contact your customer service advisor by:

E-Mail: [email protected]

Telephone: +1 800 722 3262 (USA)

+44(0) 8706 080134 (UK)

+852 2405 5500 (Hong Kong)

Fax: +1 949 859 7309 (USA)

+44(0) 1628 662017 (UK)

+852 2416 4335 (Hong Kong)

RETURN of PRODUCT

Authorization is required from Racal Instruments before you send us your product for service or calibration. Call

your nearest Racal Instruments support facility. A list is located on the last page of this manual. If you are

unsure where to call, contact Racal Instruments, Inc. Customer Support Department in Irvine, California, USA at

1-800-722-3262 or 1-949-859-8999 or via fax at 1-949-859-7139. We can be reached at:

[email protected].

PROPRIETARY NOTICE

This document and the technical data herein disclosed, are proprietary to Racal Instruments, and shall not,

without express written permission of Racal Instruments, be used, in whole or in part to solicit quotations from a

competitive source or used for manufacture by anyone other than Racal Instruments. The information herein has

been developed at private expense, and may only be used for operation and maintenance reference purposes or

for purposes of engineering evaluation and incorporation into technical specifications and other documents which

specify procurement of products from Racal Instruments.

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FOR YOUR SAFETY

Before undertaking any troubleshooting, maintenance or exploratory procedure, read

carefully the WARNINGS and CAUTION notices.

This equipment contains voltage hazardous to human life and safety, and is capable of

inflicting personal injury.

If this instrument is to be powered from the AC line (mains) through an autotransformer,

ensure the common connector is connected to the neutral (earth pole) of the power supply.

Before operating the unit, ensure the conductor (green wire) is connected to the ground

(earth) conductor of the power outlet. Do not use a two-conductor extension cord or a

three-prong/two-prong adapter. This will defeat the protective feature of the third conductor

in the power cord.

Maintenance and calibration procedures sometimes call for operation of the unit with power

applied and protective covers removed. Read the procedures and heed warnings to avoid

“live” circuit points.

Before operating this instrument:

1. Ensure the instrument is configured to operate on the voltage at the power source. See

Installation Section.

2. Ensure the proper fuse is in place for the power source to operate.

3. Ensure all other devices connected to or in proximity to this instrument are properly

grounded or connected to the protective third-wire earth ground.

If the instrument:

- fails to operate satisfactorily

- shows visible damage

- has been stored under unfavorable conditions

- has sustained stress

Do not operate until performance is checked by qualified personnel.

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i

TABLE OF CONTENTS

MODEL 3152 PRECISION PLL SYNTHESIZER

Gettin

g

Started

What’s In this Chapter .............................................. 1-1

Introduction ...................................................... 1-1

Options ......................................................... 1-2

Manual Chan

g

es.................................................. 1-3

Safet

y

Considerations .............................................. 1-3

Supplied Accessories .............................................. 1-4

Specifications .................................................... 1-4

Functional Description .............................................. 1-4

Input and Output Connectors ..................................... 1-4

Main Output ............................................... 1-4

SYNC Output .............................................. 1-4

External Clock Input ......................................... 1-4

PM Input .................................................. 1-5

Tri

gg

er Input ............................................... 1-5

Operatin

g

Modes ............................................... 1-5

Continuous Mode ........................................... 1-5

Tri

gg

ered Mode ............................................ 1-5

Burst Mode ................................................ 1-6

Gated Mode ............................................... 1-6

Output T

y

pe ................................................... 1-6

Standard Waveforms ........................................ 1-6

Arbitrar

y

Waveforms ........................................ 1-6

Sequenced Waveforms ...................................... 1-7

Output State ................................................... 1-8

Backplane S

y

nchronization ....................................... 1-9

Front Panel PLL ................................................ 1-9

Frequenc

y

Counter .............................................. 1-9

Phase Modulation ............................................... 1-9

Filter ......................................................... 1-9

Front Panel Indicators ........................................... 1-9

Pro

g

rammin

g

The Model 3152 ....................................... 1-10

Confi

g

urin

g

The Instrument

Installation Overview ............................................... 2-1

Unpackin

g

and Initial Inspection ...................................... 2-1

Safet

y

Precautions ................................................ 2-1

Performance Checks ............................................... 2-2

Groundin

g

Requirements ........................................... 2-2

Lon

g

Term Stora

g

e or Repacka

g

in

g

For Shipment ....................... 2-2

Preparation For Use ............................................... 2-3

Lo

g

ical Address Selection ........................................... 2-3

Installation .................................................... 2-5

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ii

Usin

g

The Instrument

Overview ........................................................ 3-1

Output Termination ................................................ 3-1

Input/Output Protection ............................................. 3-1

Power On/Reset Defaults ........................................... 3-1

What To Do Now.................................................. 3-2

Usin

g

the APPL

y

Command ......................................... 3-3

Output Confi

g

uration Commands ..................................... 3-7

Selectin

g

An Output Function T

y

pe ................................. 3-7

Selectin

g

a Standard Function Shape ............................... 3-8

Chan

g

in

g

the Frequenc

y

and Sample Clock .......................... 3-8

Selectin

g

the Sample Clock Source ................................. 3-9

Pro

g

rammin

g

the Output Amplitude and Offset ........................ 3-9

Selectin

g

the Filter T

y

pe ......................................... 3-10

Activatin

g

the Backplane ECLTRG and TTLTRG ...................... 3-10

Assi

g

nin

g

the Validatin

g

Source For TTLTRG ..................... 3-12

Enablin

g

the Main Output ......................................... 3-12

Enablin

g

the SYNC Output ....................................... 3-13

Assi

g

nin

g

the Source For the SYNC Output ...................... 3-13

Selectin

g

the SYNC Position .................................. 3-14

Usin

g

the Built-In Standard Waveforms ................................ 3-14

Selectin

g

An Operatin

g

Mode ........................................ 3-17

Tri

gg

ered Mode ................................................ 3-17

Gated Mode ................................................... 3-18

Burst Mode .................................................... 3-19

Selectin

g

the Tri

gg

er Source ........................................ 3-19

Usin

g

the Internal Tri

gg

er Generator ................................ 3-20

Selectin

g

the Tri

gg

er Slope ....................................... 3-20

Selectin

g

the Tri

gg

er Level ....................................... 3-21

Usin

g

the Soft Tri

gg

er ........................................... 3-21

Generatin

g

Arbitrar

y

Waveforms ..................................... 3-21

What Are Arbitrar

y

Waveforms .................................... 3-21

Arbitrar

y

Memor

y

Mana

g

ement .................................... 3-22

Memor

y

Mana

g

ement Commands .................................. 3-22

Loadin

g

Arbitrar

y

Waveforms ...................................... 3-23

Reversin

g

B

y

te Order ........................................ 3-25

Usin

g

Shared Memor

y

....................................... 3-25

Sequence ....................................................... 3-27

Generatin

g

Sequenced Waveforms ................................... 3-27

What Are Sequenced Waveforms .................................. 3-27

Sequence Commands ........................................... 3-29

Tri

gg

ered Sequence Advance ..................................... 3-30

Tri

gg

ered Sequence Advance Commands ........................... 3-31

Backplane Inter-Module S

y

nchronization ............................... 3-31

Front-Panel Phase S

y

nchronization ................................... 3-33

PLL Commands .................................................. 3-33

Usin

g

the Frequenc

y

Counter ........................................ 3-34

Usin

g

the Phase Modulation Input .................................... 3-35

Amplitude Modulation Commands .................................... 3-35

S

y

stem-Related Commands ......................................... 3-36

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iii

SCPI Command Reference

What’s In This Chapter ............................................. 4-1

Introduction To SCPI Lan

g

ua

g

e ...................................... 4-1

Command Format ................................................. 4-2

Command Separator ............................................... 4-2

The MIN and MAX Parameters .................................... 4-3

Quer

y

in

g

Parameter Settin

g

......................................... 4-3

Quer

y

Response Format ......................................... 4-3

SCPI Command Terminator ......................................... 4-3

IEEE-STD-488.2 Common Commands ................................ 4-4

SCPI Parameter T

y

pe.............................................. 4-4

Numeric Parameters ............................................ 4-4

Discrete Parameter ............................................. 4-4

Boolean Parameter ............................................. 4-4

Arbitrar

y

Block Parameters ....................................... 4-5

SCPI Command Summar

y

.......................................... 4-5

Output Confi

g

uration Command Summar

y

.............................. 4-8

Standard Waveform Command Summar

y

.............................. 4-10

Arbitrar

y

Waveform, Sequence, and Shared Memor

y

Command Summar

y

.... 4-11

Modulation Command Summar

y

..................................... 4-11

Tri

gg

er Command Summar

y

......................................... 4-12

Backplane Inter-Module Phase S

y

nchronization Command Summar

y

........ 4-12

Front-Panel PLL Command Summar

y

................................. 4-12

S

y

stem-Related Command Summar

y

................................. 4-13

IEEE-STD-488.2 Common Commands and Queries ...................... 4-13

The SCPI Status Re

g

isters .......................................... 4-15

The Status B

y

te Re

g

ister (STB).................................... 4-18

Readin

g

the Status B

y

te Re

g

ister .............................. 4-18

Clearin

g

the Status B

y

te Re

g

ister .............................. 4-18

Service Request Enable Re

g

ister (SRE) ............................. 4-19

Standard Event Status Re

g

ister (ESR) .............................. 4-19

Standard Event Status Enable Re

g

ister (ESE) ........................ 4-20

Error Messa

g

es................................................... 4-21

Device-Specific Commands ......................................... 4-22

Maintenance and Performance Checks

What’s In This Chapter ............................................. 5-1

Disassembl

y

Instructions ........................................... 5-1

Special Handlin

g

of Static Sensitive Devices ............................ 5-2

Cleanin

g

........................................................ 5-2

Repair and Replacement ........................................... 5-2

Performance Checks ............................................... 5-3

Environmental Conditions ........................................ 5-3

Warm-Up Period ................................................ 5-3

Initial Instrument Settin

g

.......................................... 5-3

Recommended Test Equipment .................................... 5-4

Performance Check Procedures ...................................... 5-4

Frequenc

y

Accurac

y

............................................. 5-4

Amplitude Accurac

y

............................................. 5-5

DC Offset Characteristics ......................................... 5-5

Squarewave Characteristics ...................................... 5-6

Sine Characteristics ............................................. 5-7

Sine Flatness .................................................. 5-8

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iv

Tri

g

, Gate and Burst Characteristics ................................ 5-8

PLL Characteristics ................................................ 5-10

Adjustments ...................................................... 5-11

Environmental Conditions ........................................ 5-11

Warm-up Period ................................................ 5-12

Recommended Test Equipment .................................... 5-12

Adjustment Procedures .......................................... 5-12

Pulse Response Adjustment ...................................... 5-13

Amplitude Adjustment ....................................... 5-13

Offset Adjustment ........................................... 5-14

VCO Adjustment ........................................... 5-14

PLL Adjustment ............................................ 5-15

Troubleshootin

g

.................................................. 5-15

Recommended Test Equipment .................................... 5-16

Power-Up Tests ................................................ 5-16

Self-Test...................................................... 5-16

Main Board Circuit Checkout ........................................ 5-16

Power Suppl

y

Checkout.......................................... 5-16

CPU and VXI ASIC Checkout ..................................... 5-17

Output Amplifier and Amplitude Control Checkout ..................... 5-18

Clock S

y

nthesizer Checkout ...................................... 5-19

Sequence Generator Checkout .................................... 5-20

PLL Checkout.................................................. 5-21

En

g

ine Board Circuit Checkout ....................................... 5-22

En

g

ine Board Checkout .......................................... 5-22

APPENDIX A

Specifications .................................................... A-1

FIGURES

1-1 Se

g

ment 1 - Sin(x)/xWaveform ................................ 1-7

1-2 Se

g

ment 2 - Sine Waveform .................................. 1-7

1-3 Se

g

ment 3 - Pulse Waveform ................................. 1-8

1-4 Sequenced Waveforms ...................................... 1-8

2-1 Set The Lo

g

ical Address ..................................... 2-4

3-1 Definite Len

g

th Arbitrar

y

Block Data Format ...................... 3-24

3-2 12-Bit Waveform Data Format ................................. 3-24

3-3 Sin(x)/x Waveform Loaded Into Se

g

ment 1 ....................... 3-27

3-4 Sine Waveform Loaded Into Se

g

ment 2 ......................... 3-28

3-5 Pulse Waveform Loaded Into Se

g

ment 3 ........................ 3-28

3-6 Sequenced Waveforms - Continuous Advance Mode ............... 3-29

3-7 Sequenced Waveforms - Tri

gg

ered Advance Mode ................ 3-30

4-1 SCPI Status Re

g

isters ....................................... 4-17

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v

TABLES

3-1 Default Conditions After Power On, RESet or *RST ................ 3-2

3-2 Amplitude and Offset Ran

g

es ................................. 3-3

4-1 VXIbus Model 3152 SCPI Commands List Summar

y

............... 4-6

5-1 CPU and VXI Interface Checkout Procedure ...................... 5-17

5-2 Output Amplifier and Amplitude Control Checkout Procedure ........ 5-18

5-3 Clock S

y

nthesizer Checkout Procedure ......................... 5-19

5-4 Sequence Generator Checkout Procedure ....................... 5-20

5-5 Burst Generator Checks ...................................... 5-21

5-6 PPL Checkout Procedure ..................................... 5-21

5-7a En

g

ine Board Checkout Procedure - #1 ......................... 5-22

5-7b En

g

ine Board Checkout Procedure - #2 ......................... 5-23

5-7c En

g

ine Board Checkout Procedure - #3 ......................... 5-23

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3152

WAVEFORM

SYNTHESIZER

OUTPUT

50

SYNC OUT

TTL

TRIG/PLL IN

30 V MAX

CLOCK IN

ECL

PM IN

30 V MAX

RM S

vi

3152 Front Panel

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Getting Started 1-1

1

Getting Started

What’s In This

Chapter This chapter contains a general description of the VXIbus Model

3152 Waveform Synthesizer and an overall functional description

of the instrument. It lists and describes various options available for

this model. It also describes the Model 3152 front panel connectors

and indicators.

This manual provides a complete description of all features and

options available with the Model 3152; however, some items

described in the following paragraphs may not be installed in your

instrument.

Introduction A detailed functional description is given following the general

description of the features, functions, and options available with the

Model 3152.

The Model 3152 is a VXIbus, single slot C-size Synthesized

Waveform Generator. It is a high performance waveform

synthesizer that combines two powerful instruments in one small

package; a function generator and an arbitrary waveform generator.

The instrument provides a variety of standard waveforms to be used

as test stimuli for different electronic devices. The Model 3152 is

also capable of generating arbitrary waveforms with sampling rates

to 100 MHz at 12 bits of vertical resolution.

Despite its small size, the Model 3152 offer many features and

functions such as VXIplug&play compatibility, backplane phase

synchronization, front-panel PLL, counted burst, internal trigger-

generator, and more. The instrument generates high quality, high

accuracy waveforms throughout the specified frequency range,

amplitude span, and operating temperature. The Model 3152

generates sine waveforms with a spectral purity that can only be

matched by much more expensive bench type synthesizers.

The Model 3152 generates standard waveforms at frequencies

ranging from 100 µHz to 50 MHz. Frequency may be set with 7

digit resolution. Accuracy and stability of the output frequency

depend on the reference clock. As a default, CLK10 is used as the

reference clock. The typical accuracy and stability of CLK10 is 100

ppm. An optional internal TCXO circuit provides 1 ppm accuracy

and stability. When the optional TCXO is installed, the output

frequency can be programmed with a full seven digits of resolution.

Arbitrary waveforms are generated with clock rates ranging from

100 mHz to 100 MHz. Output amplitude may be programmed within

the range of 20 mV to 32 Vp-p into an open circuit, and 10 mV to

16V into 50S. Amplitude and offsets are programmed with 4 digit

resolution.

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Getting Started 1-2

Besides its normal continuous mode, the Model 3152 offers a

variety of interrupted modes. The output waveform may be gated,

triggered, or may generate a counted burst of waveforms. A built-in

trigger generator with a programmable period can replace an

external trigger.

The Model 3152 generates arbitrary waveforms with 12 bits of

resolution. There are nine standard waveforms which are memory-

resident. Other waveforms may be generated, either manually or

downloaded from the controller to the instrument using shared

memory or standard data bus transfer. Waveforms may also be

generated using the WaveCAD program.

The Model 3152 waveform synthesizer is a digital instrument.

Besides its standard waveforms, any waveform it generates must

first be loaded into the arbitrary waveform memory. The arbitrary

waveform memory is a bank of 8-bit words. Each word represents

a point on the waveform. Each word has a horizontal address that

can range from 0 to 64536 (optionally 523288) and a vertical

address that can range from -2047 to +2048 (12 bits). Using a high

speed clocking circuit, the digital contents of the arbitrary waveform

memory are extracted and routed to the D/A converter. The D/A

converts the digital data to an analog signal, and the output

amplifier completes the task by amplifying or attenuating the signal

at the output connector.

The Model 3152 is fully programmable using SCPI commands and

syntax. There are two ways to program the Model 3152, the first

being low level programming of each individual parameter. The

second alternative is to use the VXIplug&play soft front panel for

high level programming. The VXIplug&play soft front panel

simulates a mechanical front panel with the necessary push

buttons, displays and dials to operate the Model 3152 as a bench-

top instrument. The Model 3152 will not operate without being

programmed. Therefore, it is recommended that the user become

familiar with its basic features, functions and programming concepts

as described in this and the following chapters.

Options A number of options are offered with the Model 3152. Compare the

option number with the number that is printed on the instrument to

verify which of the options is installed in your instrument. Note that

all Model 3152 options are installed in the factory. Contact your

nearest Racal representative if the number printed on the case does

not reflect the correct version ordered. The list of available Model

3152 options is given below:

1. 407510-001 - Model 3152 - 100MS/s Waveform

Synthesizer, w/64K RAM

2. 407510-002 - Model 3152 - 100MS/s Waveform

Synthesizer, w/256K RAM

3. 407510-011 - Model 3152 - 100MS/s Waveform

Synthesizer, w/512K RAM

4. 407510-021 - Model 3152 - 100MS/s Waveform

Synthesizer, w/64K RAM, 1PPM

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Getting Started 1-3

5. 407510-012 - Model 3152 - 100MS/s Waveform

Synthesizer, w/256K RAM, 1PPM

6. 407510-002 - Model 3152 - 100MS/s Waveform

Synthesizer, w/512K RAM, 1PPM

7. 407510-012 - Model 3152 - 100MS/s Waveform

Synthesizer, w/ 64K RAM, 100PPM

8. 407510-022 - Model 3152 - 100MS/s Waveform

Synthesizer, w/256K RAM, 100PPM

9. 407510-021 - Model 3152 - 100MS/s Waveform

Synthesizer, w/512K RAM, 100PPM

The 64K RAM option designates the memory size supplied with the

Model 3152. The standard memory size is 64K (65536 words).

With the standard memory size, 64536 point waveforms can be

programmed because 1K is allocated for standard waveforms.

The 256 suffix designates instruments supplied with 256K memory

expansion. With the 256K expansion, 261144 point waveforms can

be programmed.

The 512K RAM option designates instruments supplied with 512K

memory expansion. With the 512K expansion, 523288 point

waveforms can be programmed.

1ppm and 100ppm denote different accuracy and stability grades of

the internal 10 MHz reference clock. Normally, VXIbus modules

receive their clock reference from VXIbus CLK10. There are

applications that require complete separation from VXIbus clocks.

The crystal oscillator (100ppm) and TCXO (1ppm) options, when

installed, provide the required separation.

Manual Changes Technical corrections to this manual (if any) are noted on the pages

themselves, with change dates at the bottom of the page.

Safety

Considerations The Model 3152 has been manufactured according to international

safety standards. The instrument meets VDE 0411/03.81 and UL

1244 standards for safety of commercial electronic measuring and

test equipment for instruments with an exposed metal chassis that

is directly connected to earth via the chassis power supply cable.

.

WARNING Do not remove instrument covers when operating or when

the chassis power cord is connected to the mains.

Any adjustment, maintenance and repair of an opened, powered-on

instrument should be avoided as much as possible, but when

necessary, should be carried out only by a skilled person who is

aware of the hazard involved.

Revised 4/18/00

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Getting Started 1-4

Supplied

Accessories The Model 3152 is supplied with an Instruction Manual. The manual

includes disks with VXIplug&play soft front panel and drivers along

with WaveCAD for Windows. A Service Manual is available upon

request.

Specifications Instrument specifications are listed in Appendix A. These

specifications are the performance standards or limits against which

the instrument is tested. Specifications apply under the following

conditions: output terminated into 50S after 30 minutes of warm up

time, and within a temperature range of 20oC to 30oC. Specifications

outside this range are degraded by 0.1% per oC.

Functional

Description

A detailed functional description is given in the following

paragraphs. The description is divided into logical groups: input and

output connectors, operating modes, output type, output state,

synchronization, filters and front panel indicators.

Input and Output

Connectors

The Model 3152 has 5 BNC connectors on its front panel: main

output, SYNC output, phase modulation input, reference clock

output and the trigger input.

Main Output The main output connector outputs standard, user, and sequenced

waveforms. Output impedance of this output is 50S, that is, the

cable which is connected to this input should be terminated with a

50S resistance. Output amplitude accuracy is calibrated when

connected to a 50S load. If the output is connected to a different

load resistance, determine the actual amplitude from the resistance

ratio of the internal 50S to the load impedance. The output

amplitude is doubled when the output impedance is above 1 MS.

SYNC Output The SYNC Output generates a single TTL pulse for synchronizing

other instruments (i.e., an oscilloscope) to the output waveform.

The SYNC signal always appears at a fixed point relative to the

waveform. The SYNC output generates a single point pulse for

standard and arbitrary waveforms. The location of the SYNC signal

along the waveform is programmable from point 2 to the last point

on the waveform.

External Clock Input The External Clock Input is available for those applications required

to run the complete system off the same clock. Normally, this input

is disabled. When enabled under program control the clock at this

input replaces the internal clock generator and the output waveform

will begin generating waveforms with clock rates that are present at

the external clock input. Do not confuse the clock frequency with

the frequency of the waveform. The actual frequency of the output

waveform depends on the number of points that are allocated for

the waveform. For example, if the external clock is 10 MHz and the

number of points that were assigned to the active segment is 1000,

the output frequency will be 10 KHz (10 MHz divided by the number

of points). The external clock input accepts fixed level ECL signals

within the range of DC to 100 MHz.

PM Input The PM Input accepts signals that phase modulates the main output

frequency. The phase modulation function operates in conjunction

with the PLL function. The PM input is active at all times. Therefore,

unless you intend to use this function, do not connect any cables to

this input during normal operation of the Model 3152.

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Getting Started 1-5

Trigger Input The Trigger Input accepts signals that stimulate the Model 3152 to

output waveforms. The trigger input is inactive when the instrument

is in continuous operating mode. When placed in trigger, gated or

burst mode, the trigger input is made active and waits for the right

condition to trigger the instrument. In trigger and burst modes, the

trigger input is edge sensitive, i.e., it senses transitions from high

to low or from low to high to trigger the Model 3152. The direction

of the transition is programmable. In PLL mode, the trigger input is

used as phase reference input.

In gated mode, the trigger input is level sensitive, i.e., the Model

3152 is gated when the level is high and idle when the level is low.

Level sensitivity may be programmed for the trigger input.

Operating Modes There are a number of operating modes that the Model 3152 can be

programmed to operate in: continuous mode, triggered mode, gated

mode and burst mode. These operating modes are described

below.

Continuous Mode In continuous mode, the selected waveform is output continuously

at the selected frequency, amplitude and offset.

Triggered Mode In triggered mode, the Model 3152 circuits are armed to generate

one output waveform. The trigger circuit is sensitive to transitions

at the trigger input. Select between positive or negative transitions

to trigger the instrument. You may also program the trigger level to

the desired threshold level on the external signal. When triggered,

the synthesizer outputs the waveform and remains idle at the last

point of the waveform. The Model 3152 can be armed to receive a

trigger signal from the front panel BNC connector, a VXIbus

backplane TTLTRG<n> or from an internal, programmable trigger

generator.

The trigger signal, whether it comes from the front panel or from

the VXIbus, has to pass through circuitry. These circuits cause a

small delay known as system delay. System delay cannot be

eliminated completely. It is, however, minimized in the Model

3152 to approximately 200ns maximum. System delay is a factor

that must be considered when applying a trigger signal. It defines

how long it will take from a valid trigger edge to the moment that

the output reacts.

While system delay cannot be controlled, the Model 3152 offers a

controllable trigger delay parameter. When utilized, delay from a

trigger signal to output waveform may be programmed from 0

clocks to one million clocks. This delay is additional to the

system delay.

Burst Mode The burst mode is an extension of the triggered mode where the

Model 3152 can be armed to output a counted number of

waveforms following a triggered signal. Like trigger mode, burst

can be triggered from a front panel BNC connector, a VXIbus

backplane TTLTRG<n> or from an internal, programmable trigger

generator.

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Getting Started 1-6

Gated Mode In gated mode, the Model 3152 circuits are armed to generate

output waveforms as long as a gating signal is true. Unlike the

triggered mode, the gated mode is level sensitive. When the gating

signal goes false, the waveform at the output connector is first

completed and the output goes to an idle state. The stop amplitude

level, after a gating signal, is the last point on the waveform.

Output Type The Model 3152 can output three types of waveforms: standard

waveforms, arbitrary waveforms and sequenced waveforms. The

three types of waveforms are described in the following.

Standard Waveforms The Model 3152 generates waveforms from a memory that has to

be loaded before the instrument can generate waveforms. There

are 64K points of memory standard, 256K and 512K points

available as an option. 1K points from this memory are allocated for

standard waveforms. Waveforms are loaded into this part of the

memory each time a standard function is selected.

The Model 3152 can be programmed to output nine different

standard waveforms: sine wave, triangular wave, square wave,

pulse, ramp, sinc (sine(x)/x), gaussian pulse, exponential pulse and

DC. There are certain parameters that are associated with each

standard function. These parameters can be programmed to

generate modified standard waveforms.

Arbitrary Waveforms The arbitrary waveform memory is capable of storing one or more

user waveforms. There are 64536 points (523288 optional) that can

be allocated to one waveform that has this length. If there is no

need to use the complete memory, it can be divided into smaller

segments, variable in size. Load each segment with a different

waveform and program the Model 3152 to output the required

waveform for a specific test. Loading data to arbitrary waveform

memory can be a time-consuming task, especially if the complete

512K is loaded in one shot. The Model 3152 utilizes the VXIbus

shared memory concept that speeds data transfer from and to the

host computer. In this mode, the memory bank is disconnected

from the CPU circuit and its bus is accessible from the VXIbus for

direct memory access by the host computer.

Sequenced Waveforms The Model 3152 employs a sophisticated circuit that allows dividing

the memory into smaller segments, linking of the segments in user-

defined order, and repeating of each linked segment up to one

million times. The sequence circuit is useful for generating long

waveforms with repeated sections. The repeated waveform has to

be programmed once and the repeater will loop on this segment as

many times as selected. When in sequenced mode, there is no loss

of time between linked or looped segments. Figure 1-4 shows an

example of a sequenced waveform. Assume the waveforms in

Figures 1-1 through 1-3 were placed in segments 1 through 3.

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Getting Started 1-7

Figure 1-1

Segment 1 -

Sin(x)/x

Waveform

Figure 1-2

Segment 2 -

Sine Waveform

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Getting Started 1-8

Figure 1-3

Segment 3 -

Pulse

Waveform

The following sequence was made of segment 2 repeated twice,

segment 1 repeated four times and segment 3 repeated twice.

Figure 1-4 Sequenced Waveforms

Output State The main output can be turned on or off. The internal circuit is

disconnected from the output BNC connector by a mechanical switch

under program control (relay). This feature is useful for connecting

the Model 3152 main output, along with other instruments, to an

analog bus. For safety reasons, after power on, the main output is

always off.

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Getting Started 1-9

Backplane

Synchronization Multiple Model 3152s may be synchronized and operated together

inside one VXIbus chassis. With one instrument configured as

master and the rest of the instruments configured as slaves, the

instruments are phase-locked to the start phase on the master

module. The slave modules may be configured to have phase offsets

within the range of 0E to 360E. There is no need to install multiple

Model 3152 modules in adjacent slots to be able to phase

synchronize modules.

Front-Panel PLL Model 3152 may be phase locked to an external reference and

phase shifted from the start phase of the external reference from -

180E to +180E. The reference signal is applied to a front-panel input

BNC. In this way, the same reference can be applied to multiple

modules to generate multi-phase signal patterns. The reference

signal for the PLL function is applied to the TRIG IN. It shares the

same characteristics as the trigger input, programmable trigger level

and programmable slope. When placed in this mode, the model

3152 scans the TRIG IN connector for a valid signal. Once sensed,

the model 3152 measures its frequency and centers its lock-in range

around this frequency. The model 3152 then locks automatically on

the frequency of the external signal. There is no need for manual

initiation or operator intervention for locking the model 3152 to an

external reference. The PLL range is 500 Hz to 10 MHz.

Frequency Counter The Model 3152 uses an autoranging counter circuit to measure

frequencies of reference signals at the trigger input. This built-in

counter is made available for you in PLL mode. Thus, you can use

the 3152 as a frequency counter provided that the signal at the

trigger input is valid and the PLL ON LED illuminates. Frequencies

are measured from 500 Hz to 10 MHz. External frequency query

returns four digits with a decimal point and suffix multiplier.

Phase Modulation When the Model 3152 is placed in PLL mode, there are two ways to

control the phase offset. The first option is to modify the phase offset

setting using SCPI commands. This method is extremely accurate

while permitting phase offset adjustments with 0.01E increments. The

PM IN provides another option for changing phase offsets. Applying

voltage to this input changes the start phase of the synthesizer

continuously, depending on the voltage level at the phase modulation

input. The applied voltage range is DC to 10 kHz, depending on the

lock frequency and the number of waveform samples.

Filter Three filters are built into the Model 3152, each having a different

cutoff frequency and rise time properties. These filters are available

for use in various applications, depending on the specific

requirement. The 20 MHz Gaussian filter has a gaussian response

which smooths fast transitions and eliminates ringing and

aberrations. The 25 MHz and the 50 MHz filters are elliptical with a

very sharp cutoff frequency. They are useful for removing the

staircase effect from waveforms that are generated with high

frequency clock rates.

Front Panel Indicators There are three LEDs on the front panel. The FAIL LED (Red)

illuminates at power-up until the Model 3152 has passed its self-test.

If the Model 3152 self-test fails, the FAIL LED remains illuminated.

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Getting Started 1-10

The FAIL LED may be illuminated during normal operation if the

Model 3152 stops communication.

The ACCESS LED (Amber) illuminates each time a command has

been received by the Model 3152. This light remains on during

shared memory data transfer.

The PLL ON LED is off during normal operation. In PLL mode, the

PLL ON illuminates when a valid signal is available at the trigger

input and lock frequency is available at the main output connector.

When the output state is on, the OUTPUT LED (Green) light

illuminates. It goes off when the output state is changed to off.

Programming The

Model 3152

The Model 3152 has no controls on the front panel. Instrument

functions, parameters, and modes can only be accessed through

VXIbus commands. There are a number of ways to “talk” to the

instrument. They all require that an appropriate software driver be

installed in the Resource Manager (slot 0). The rest is a matter of

practice and knowledge of the language in use. There are other

system considerations like address selection that have to be settled

before programming the instrument. These topics are discussed in

later chapters.

Low level programming of the Model 3152 is done using SCPI

(Standard Commands for Programmable Instruments) language via

VXIbus Word Serial Protocol. Programming aspects are covered in

Chapters 3 and 4.

High level drivers like VXIplug&play and WaveCAD are beyond the

scope of this manual. Contact your Racal representative for more

information about high level drivers for the Model 3152.

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Racal Instruments 3152 User manual

Racal Instruments 3152 User manual

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